Blog Archives
Spread the Word to End the Word with the Scouts
Heiman Elementary in Evans, Colorado
On May 1st at Heiman Elementary in Evans, Colorado Nick joined a Scout Troop to share his Spread the Word to End the Word presentation!
Spread the Word to End the Word is a national campaign to encourage people to pledge to stop using the word “retard.” Nick believes in inclusivity and respect for people of all abilities and this presentation is one he loves to give, especially to young people, to show them the impact their words can have.
Nick even participated in the Scout’s pledge, salute and all (with just a little assistance from Job Coach Liz Laney.)
The Scouts were a respectful and fun group, and Nick loved showing them a new way to communicate. The Scouts enjoyed learning to use Nick’s Speech device, and they loved checking out his first book, Helping in Action.
Nick would like to personally thank Rochelle Chapparo for inviting us to the Scout’s meeting, and helping make the event so memorable and fun! Nick would also like to thank the other parents and all of the Scouts and their siblings who attended for their enthusiasm and engagement in Nick’s presentation.
Nick saw some old friends and made some new ones, and is happy to report that the Scouts signed the pledge to end the use of the r-word!
For more information on the Spread the Word to End the Word Campaign, check out their website.
To schedule Nick for a visit to your classroom or event, please contact us via email or on his Facebook.
Dude, the Fun is Just the Same!!
I like to do many activities that other able-bodied people do, it may look a little different and take a bit more support; but I have just as much fun as you.
One thing that can stop me in my tracks, though, is one little word that begins with the letter “R.”. The word “retard” is a hurtful word that means more than what many think it does. It’s not a light word to be thrown about among friends. It is a word that carries a lot of weight.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUB1az40gUM
Just like anyone else, I don’t like to be labeled or referred to as anything less than the person who I am. When I hear the word, “Retard,” it makes me feel sad and hurt. It makes me feel like my power has been taken away; like I cannot do all of the things that I would like to. It makes me feel angry and resentful of the people that use it with such carelessness.
I don’t like to feel all of these negative emotions. I like to be positive and try my best. I like to believe we are only limited by our own imaginations. I like to think that if others truly understood the impact the word “retard” can have, they would stop using it, Completely; and not just brush away the concerns of the differently-abled by explaining they “didn’t mean it in that way.”
To all of those who use the r-word regularly,I have one simple request:
Think before you speak.
We all live in one community, one world, and we can make it better if we show each other the same amount of respect that we expect for ourselves and our loved ones. We all need to be aware of the power the words we chose to use can have.
Spread the Word to End the Word!
Awesome in Action, Co 